This refers to the editorial “Mixed messages” (February 17). The prime minister’s media managers made the mistake of inviting only TV editors and excluding the print media. The PM was expected to reassure the people that his government is determined to punish the wrongdoers. Though he reiterated that ours is not a scam-driven nation and that the wrongdoers will be punished, this message has not reached the people despite the best efforts of the TV channel editors.
To compare the loss from spectrum allocation with that from subsidies, which the editorial considers a credible argument, was certainly shocking. Nor is the PM’s reference to the opposition for coming in the way of his further reform measures correct. It is not for the opposition in Parliament to facilitate the easy passing of government-sponsored legislation. The UPA government is perhaps trying to rewrite parliamentary practices and rules. The opposition’s duty is to use all arguments against the measures that the government proposes.
As for the Antrix-Devas deal, there was no statement from the PM that those officials who may eventually be found holding back-room talks with the company concerned would be identified and punished.
On the vexed question of inflation, there was hardly any reassurance. It was, however, comforting to hear that he would not leave the leadership midway. Your grievance that issues such as foreign policy were not raised is hollow. The people are dissatisfied with the governance deficit at home and curing this malaise will be far more important than some dreary questioning on what we are doing about various foreign affairs issues.
S Subramanyan, Mumbai
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